Combination hand-held multi-directional propulsion device, and powered oar/paddle for rowboat, canoe, kayak, and the like

ABSTRACT

A multi-functional modular device includes: a shaft; electric motor(s); propeller(s); battery(s); and paddle blade(s) being removably attachable to the shaft for levering of a boat. With the blade(s) attached to the shaft and motor(s) de-energized, the device is usable for manual levering, and with the motor(s) energized, propeller thrust selectively assists in levering to propel the boat. Propeller thrust in a direction opposite to a propulsive direction from levering reduces work required per stroke, reducing the total levering power per stroke. Alternatively, using the thrust in the same direction as propulsive levering increases total propulsive power per stroke, but requires greater strength/work output by the rower/paddler. Removing the blade permits the propeller and motor to be statically submerged and clocked for directional propulsion. A hinged kayak paddle embodiment is adapted for pure levering, and is convertible to a propulsion device by releasably attaching an electric pod motor to the blade(s).

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/924,627, filed on Sep. 30, 2010, which claimed priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/281,035, filed on Nov. 12, 2009 with the title, “Hand-Held Propulsion/Navigational Boating Device and Powered Oar/Paddle For Canoe, Kayak, Rowboat, Raft and the Like,” with the disclosures of each being incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improvements in directional and propulsive control over small watercraft, and more particularly to an oar or paddle which is capable of providing powered assistance to the paddler or rower.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational boating is a favorite American pastime, and such pleasure craft come in many different forms or categories: dinghies, paddlesports boats, runabouts, daysailers, cruisers, etc. The type of boat chosen by an individual will naturally suit the particular activities in which one seeks to engage, and it is not uncommon for many individuals to own two different kinds of boats. For some, the allure of boating comes with being powered solely by the wind filling the sails, and for others it may be the speed and maneuverability of a powerboat. But for many people, the appeal of being upon the water is heightened while in a basic watercraft that is propelled solely through the user's efforts, without the sounds of a motor or the flapping of sails.

The so-called paddlesports boats may be divided into two sub-categories—those which involve paddling and those involving rowing. Rowing is characterized by the use of oars, which have a mechanical connection with the boat, in the form of a fixed fulcrum that is usable to transfer power from the handle to the blade. With the traditional rowboat, the oars are secured by pivoting oar locks mounted on gunwales, and with a similar arrangement used in competitive rowing craft, referred to in collegiate circles as crew. This competitive rowing has two forms-sweep-oar rowing, where each rower has one oar held by both hands; and sculling, where each rower has two oars, one in each hand. Rowing is normally accomplished in a rearward facing arrangement, where the seated rower pulls on either one or two oars, which act as a lever to propel the boat in the direction opposite to which the user faces. However, there is a number of forward facing rowing systems in which a two-piece oar in combination with a mechanical transmission reverses the direction of motion of the oar blade, relative to the pull of the rower.

Paddling, on the other hand, involves the use of hand-held paddles that have no mechanical connection with the boat, and which similarly propel the watercraft by the reaction forces transmitted by the paddler to the boat from the oar blades, as they are pushed against the water. Without having use of a fulcrum to transfer power, the paddler instead use the athlete's shoulders or hands as the pivot-point. Watercrafts that typically utilize hand-held paddles are canoes, rowboats, rafts, and kayaks, which normally have a covered deck. The paddles utilized by the rower of such watercraft may be single bladed—with a transverse handle connected via a shaft to a flat or a curved “blade” that is either symmetrical or asymmetrical—or may be a double-bladed paddle, where there is no handle per se and a longer shaft connects to a blade at each end of the shaft.

The recreational users of paddles and oars often debate in the relevant literature over the advantageous nature of these and other structural differences, in order to make paddling and rowing more easily sustainable for a long period of time. There have been several patents offering solutions to this end, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,424 to Steinhour. The Steinhour patent offers an ergonomically improved kayak paddle, which claims to “improve the overall strength of the paddle, while substantially reducing hand and arm fatigue for a user.” The paddle achieves the improvement by incorporating non-concentric gripping regions, which also permit the user to determine the orientation of the paddle by touch . The Steinhour paddle, while providing a noticeable improvement that aids the paddler in the ergonomic aspect of rowing, does not take a significant step toward alleviating the arduous nature of sustained rowing.

A more pronounced improvement is shown by U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,151 to Fan. The Fan oar comprises a supplemental blade that is pivotally connected to a primary blade, with its pivotal travel being limited by a chord so that it may occupy a position parallel and adjacent to the main blade, or alternatively occupy a position at an angle to the main blade. When the Fan oar blade is immersed in the water to initiate a stroke, the supplementary blade trails and will naturally extend to the maximum angle, and thereby serve to increase the area of the water expelling surface, and thus increase the efficiency for each stroke. However, where this added efficiency produces “a relatively greater force to move the row boat forward,” it is plain that it also requires correspondingly greater strength in the user to be able to move the combined paddle blades through the water to generate those forces. This added strength requirement may preclude its use by many recreational rowers.

Another improved rowing device is shown by U.S. Pat. No. 7,144,284 to Horan. The Horan device uses two parallel shafts being pivotally linked on both ends to keep the “oar's blade and handle parallel to one another and perpendicular to the boat throughout the rowing cycle,” which “is critical to achieving a powerful, efficient stroke.” This would arguably increase the efficiency of each stroke without the corresponding increase in strength requirements necessitated by the Fan oar; however, it does not serve to dramatically ease the rower's burden for a sustained period of use.

The invention disclosed herein has been developed to provide assistance for the rower who is not training to row competitively, and simply seeks to enjoy paddling leisurely about a lake or other waterway. However, it may also be utilized by those who are not merely recreational users and may intend to explore coastal and intra-coastal waterways in a canoe or kayak for extended periods of time, but wish to have some minimal assistance in paddling, while still enjoying the tranquility maintained by not running an outboard motor.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an enhanced means of rowing or paddling for users of canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts, and the like.

It is another object of the invention to provide an oar or a paddle which decreases the physical exertion involved in propelling paddle sports watercraft.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an oar or paddle that increases the range which may be attained when traveling in a paddle sports watercraft.

It is another object of the invention to provide an oar or paddle that enhances the duration of paddle sports activity that may be enjoyed by a given user.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an oar or paddle that enables individuals who a not physically fit to nonetheless participate in and enjoy paddle sports activity.

It is another object of the invention to provide an oar or paddle that incorporates a battery powered motor to assist in the rowing or paddling stroke of the user.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a recharging means to enable individuals who are not physically fit to nonetheless participate in and enjoy paddle sports activity.

It is another object of the invention to provide an oar or paddle that is convertible into a hand-held trolling device for use with small boats.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a stand-, hand-held trolling device for small boats.

It is another object of the invention to provide a battery-powered hand-held trolling device capable of maneuvering a small boat to navigate into slips, docks, and other tight areas.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multi-functional modular levering device may comprise: a hand-graspable shaft; one or more electric motors; one or more batteries being electrically coupled to the electric motors; one or more thrust producing fan assemblies being driven by the electric motors; and one or more paddle blades being removably attachable to the shaft for levering of a paddlesports boat. While it is possible to utilize the fan assembly to provide thrust by creating a current of air, which comports with the traditional usage of the term fan, the fan assembly herein will more preferably be adapted, in terms of the design of the shaft, hub, and blades, to be water submersible and to produce thrust in any body of water, in which case it may be more aptly referred to as a marine propeller assembly. Any use of the term fan or fan assembly throughout this patent specification is therefore intended to encompass both design types. The DC motors may have output shafts being transverse to the axis of rotation of the fan, and thus each fan may be driven through use of a pair of bevel gears.

The modular combination device may be used in a first role to provide for manual and/or power-assisted levering of paddlesports boat, with said device being quickly transformable for use in a second role as a hand-held multi-directional propulsion device, as follows.

With the blade(s) attached to the shaft and the motors) being either off or without power, the device is usable for manual levering. With the motor(s) on and being supplied with power, the fan blade thrust may selectively assist in levering, in order to propel the paddlesports boat. Fan thrust may be usable to produce a reaction force in one of two useful, but opposite, directions to aid the levering to achieve completely different effects. With the reaction force being opposite to a propulsive direction of levering (opposite to the forward motion of the boat), the power assistance serves to reduce the work required per stroke and eases the burden of rowing for the user, but which also reduces the amount of power per stroke. Alternatively, the reaction force may be oriented to be in the same direction as propulsive levering to increase total propulsive power per stroke, but may require greater strength/work output by the rower/paddler. Various sized blades may be interchangeable therein to adjust the total work output. Removing the blade(s) also permits the fan portion of the levering device to be statically submerged and clocked to propel the boat in a desired compass direction in a fashion similar to a trolling motor.

The motors may be powered by one or more batteries, which may comprise a disposable battery, a rechargeable battery, or a marine battery. The motors may also actually be powered by a combination of those battery types. Where an ordinary battery, such as a “C” cell battery is used, it may be disposed within the shaft of the levering device. Where a marine battery is used, it may be stowed in the bottom of the boat, and be coupled to the device using an electrical cable and a quick connect plug, and may be a lead acid battery from the group of marine lead acid batteries consisting of: a flooded acid battery, a gelled acid battery, or an advanced absorbed glass mat battery.

The fan may comprise a fan shaft and one or more fan blades, with the one or more fan blades being attached to the fan shaft, and where the fan shaft is rotatably attached to a fan housing, which may be attached to the hand-graspable shaft. The motor may also be disposed within the shaft; and may be a motor from the group consisting of: a single speed motor, a two-speed motor; or a variable speed motor.

The combination device may preferably include at least one blade being attachable with a quick-release latch to permit easy removal of the blade(s) from the hand-graspable shaft. Interchangeability of the component parts allows the modular device to be easily converted between a double-bladed kayak paddle, an oar, a canoe paddle with a handle, and also a hand-held trolling/navigation device. Removability of the blades permits the various sized blades to be usable for adjustment to the work required per stroke.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the levering device of the present invention converted into a double-bladed kayak paddle, which incorporates power assistance into the paddle.

FIG. 1A is a front view showing the double-bladed kayak paddle of FIG. 1 after being converted into a single-bladed oar.

FIG. 1B is a front view showing the single-bladed oar of FIG. 1A converted into a paddle with a handle for canoeing, rafting, etc.

FIG. 1C is a front view showing the single-bladed paddle of FIG. 1B converted into the hand-held propulsion device.

FIG. 1D is a front view showing the hand-held propulsion device of FIG. 1C, but with a blade being releasably attachable thereto, and being powered by four rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

FIG. 1E shows the embodiment of FIG. 1D, but with the blade also being pivotally attachable thereto.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the double-bladed kayak paddle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a partially exploded view of the kayak paddle of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the double-bladed kayak paddle of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is section cut through the blade to show the tongue-and-groove connection with the fan and graspable handle.

FIG. 5 is the view of FIG. 3 enlarged to show a dual motor switch configuration.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the component parts of the modular levering device of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is an assembled detail view of several of the components of the exploded view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a front section view through the double-bladed kayak paddle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is the view of FIG. 7 enlarged to disclose motor and battery details.

FIG. 9A is a first blade usable with the levering device of the current invention.

FIG. 9B is a second, larger blade being usable with the levering device of the current invention.

FIG. 9C is a third, even larger blade that may be usable with the levering device of the current invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the fan and fan housing of the current invention, with the mechanical connection to the motor.

FIG. 10A is the view of FIG. 10 enlarged to disclose details of the mechanical connection to the motor.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the details disclosed in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an alternate embodiment of one of the modular components of the present invention illustrating use of a single motor that has an output shaft connectable to first and second fans.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 illustrates a typical oar lock usable on a rowboat for levering.

FIG. 16 illustrates the basic mechanics of using the modular levering device of the current invention, without any power assistance.

FIG. 17 illustrates the mechanics of using the modular levering device of the current invention in which fan thrust is in the same direction and approximately parallel to the paddle sport boat's forward motion to assist the rower, and reduce the amount of work required to overcome water resistance to the levering device's motion.

FIG. 18 illustrates the mechanics of using the modular levering device of the current invention in which fan thrust is in an opposite direction to, though being approximately parallel to the paddlesport boat's forward motion, to assist the rower, and increase the total propulsive power per stroke of the levering device's motion.

FIG. 19 illustrates use of the modular levering device of the current invention as a trolling motor, being capable of propelling the boat, which need not necessarily be a paddlesports boat, in a desired direction.

FIG. 20 is a front view of another alternate embodiment of the modular levering device of the current invention, where a motor and propeller are positioned proximate to the tip of the paddle blade, and disposed within an opening therein.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the levering device of FIG. 20,

FIG. 22 is an enlarged front view of the blade portion of the levering device of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23A is an enlarged perspective view of the blade portion of the levering device of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23B is an enlarged reverse perspective view of the blade portion of the levering device of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a schematic for the wiring of the brushless DC motor (BLDC), with electronic speed controller (ESC) and variable pulse width modulator (PWM) signal generator.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an outrunner motor.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an inrunner motor.

FIG. 27A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention directed to providing a kayak paddle with a hinged shaft, which permits the paddle to be partially folded or completely folded for storage.

FIG. 27B is the hinged kayak paddle of FIG. 27A, shown in the folded position for storage of the paddle.

FIG. 27C is the hinged kayak paddle of FIG. 27A, shown with a motor pod of the current invention releasably secured to the bottom of one of the blades of the paddle, for use as a propulsion device.

FIG. 27D is the hinged kayak paddle of FIG. 27C, shown with the second blade having been removed, and with the hinge having been used to rotate the second shaft to be approximately 90 degrees to the first shaft, for use as a combination rudder and propulsion device.

FIG. 27E is the hinged kayak paddle of FIG. 27A, shown with a motor pod of the current invention releasably secured to the bottom of each blade of the paddle.

FIG. 27F is the hinged kayak paddle of FIG. 27E, shown partially folded to be converted for use as a propulsion device for a kayak.

FIG. 28A is a side view of the blade of the paddle of FIG. 27A.

FIG. 28B is a cross-sectional view through the rotatable joint of the hinged kayak paddle of FIG. 27A.

FIG. 28C is a side view of the blade of the paddle of FIG. 27C.

FIG. 29 is perspective view of the propeller end of the motor pod of FIG. 27C.

FIG. 30A is a front view showing the motor pod of FIG. 27C just prior to being releasably secured onto the bottom of a blade of the hinged paddle of the current invention.

FIG. 30B is the front view of FIG. 30A showing the motor pod of FIG. 27C after being releasably secured onto the bottom of the blade of the hinged paddle.

FIG. 31 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the motor pod of FIG. 27C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There are many considerations which impact the design of a shaft and blade for levering a paddlesports boat, whether it be an oar for rowboats (sweep oar rowing or sculling), or a single-bladed paddle with a handle for canoeing, or a double-bladed paddle for kayaking. In each case, appropriate compromise and resolution between conflicting considerations are aimed at improving performance of the rower/paddler. But, the kind of performance being sought by one rower may be different than the kind of performance, or amount of performance, being sought by different occupants of the various paddlesports boats.

The primary objective in designing a levering device is to help the user achieve the most efficient stroke in order to propel the paddlesports boat forward according to the user's expertise. In general, the greater the mass of water that the blade is able to “grip,” the greater the resistance against which the paddler can lever him/herself and propel the paddlesports boat forward. However, certain users may desire the ability to achieve greater speeds for shorter durations, while some users may wish to conserve energy and be able to paddle moderately, though efficiently, for a long sustained period of time. Any compromise between these considerations reduces efficiency of the device. Moreover, even when a device for levering a paddlesports boat is well designed for one user, it likely will be inappropriate for another user who may require a different device because of his or her size and/or strength and goals.

The invention disclosed herein remedies many of the compromises forced upon the user by those conflicting considerations by providing a modular arrangement that can quickly be transformed to produce an oar, or a handled canoe paddle, or a double-bladed kayak paddle. The modular device also features four modes of operation, which will be discussed further hereinafter, but namely include: a purely manual mode in which the device is simply used to lever the paddlesports boat through the strength of the user alone; a first power assisted mode, in which a battery-powered fan provides thrust to help a user (who may be smaller and be less agile) to overcome the water resistance required in levering the device, but also thereby reduces the amount of propulsive thrust per stroke; a second power assisted mode, in which the fan thrust is combined with the manual lever action of the user to thereby increase the total propulsive power per stroke, but which requires greater strength on the part of the user; and a fourth mode in which the blade is removed or pivoted, and the fan is submerged in the water and clocked/oriented to propel the paddlesports boat (or any type of boat) in a desired direction, much like a trolling motor.

FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B show different paddlesports boat levering devices that may be achieved through transformation of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a powered kayak paddle 10, while FIG. 1A shows an oar, FIG. 1B shows a handled paddle for canoe, and the like, and FIG. 1C shows a first embodiment for a multi-directional propulsion device. The basic parts of the modular device may be constructed utilizing wood, aluminum, plastic, or some combination therein, or using any other materials or finishes commonly employed for such products, and it may be tailored for use in fresh water, or saltwater, or both.

The double-bladed kayak paddle 10, shown in front and side views in FIGS. 2 and 3 and in the section views of FIGS. 7 and 8, may comprise the modular components illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 6. In one embodiment the double-bladed kayak paddle 10 may be comprised of the following components: a pair of axially extending blades 20; a pair of fan assemblies 40; at least one water-resistant, electric motor 15; a first tube section 60; a second tube section 70; one or more batteries 31; and suitable electrical wiring/connection. Many different aspects of the individual components, the assembly thereof, and the performance capabilities of the invention require some discussion, as follows.

The blade 20 may generally comprise the water gripping portion 21 (FIG. 6), which may include curvature known as “scoop” (being in the widthwise direction) and “spoon” (being in the length-wise direction), to be bounded by an overall outer edge periphery 22. The outer edge periphery 22 may be interrupted by an opening to form an interior edge periphery 23, which is intended to mate with, and be removably attachable to, the fan assembly 40.

The fan assembly 40 may comprise a fan hub 41, fan shaft 42 (FIG. 10), a plurality of fan blades 43, which extend outward from the hub 41, and a fan housing 45. The fan housing 45 may be an injection molded plastic part, or any other type of suitably formed part, such as, but not limited to, a casting, in which the housing may have a first cylindrical portion 46, a second cylindrical portion 47 that is disposed transverse to the first cylindrical portion 46, and a gusset plate 49 with an exterior groove. The blade 20 and fan housing 45 may be joined, in one embodiment, using a tongue and groove arrangement, as seen in FIG. 4, The interior periphery 23 of blade 20 may be inserted into groove 46A, which may actually begin in the gusset 49 until reaching the first cylindrical portion 46, in which the groove 46A may become an annular groove. The “tongue” of the blade 20 may be secured to the “groove” of the fan housing 45 using many different quick release means. In one embodiment, a pin 80, having a head 81, may be inserted through aligned orifices in the blade and housing, and be therein retained by a pair of spring-loaded balls 82, which may engage a groove in the housing to serve as a detent. Alternatively, any quick release pins, ball detent pins, plunger pins, or other suitable hardware available in the market from various manufacturers may be used, such as those offered by Innovative Components, Inc., which is located in Schaumberg, Ill. Innovative Components offers such hardware in its catalog, at http://www.knobsource.com/images/Catalog%202010.pdf, which is incorporated herein by reference. In another embodiment, instead of the pin 80, a quick release catch may be used; being similar to the catch disclosed in expired U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,492 to Clifton, for “Quick Release Magazine Catch,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

To provide for added structural strength, a cylindrical protrusion 24 on the interior periphery 23 of blade 20 may extend in the axial direction to be received in a corresponding orifice in the first cylindrical portion 46 of fan housing 45. Alternatively, a cylindrical protrusion on the first cylindrical portion 46 of fan housing 45 may be received in a corresponding orifice in the blade 20. This quick release approach for attachment of the blade permits interchangeability of different size blades 20A, 20B, and 20C (FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C), whereby smaller or larger sized blades may be utilized to be more compatible with the particular user, or for the same user who may be on an earlier or later portion of a trip, and alternatively desires more or less blade area for correspondingly greater or lesser grip with the water, per stroke.

The second cylindrical portion 47 of fan housing 45 may comprise a male extension 48 extending from one end thereof, which may be hollow, and in which may be disposed motor 15 (FIGS. 7-8). The male extension 48 may be usable for coupling of the fan housing to an opening 61 in first tube section 60, which may be a hollow tube. This coupling arrangement may similarly be used for coupling of the handle 38 thereto, as well as for coupling of the first tube section 60 to second tube section 70 (male extension 68 coupling within opening 71), which, when coupled together, may form a hand-graspable shaft to enable levering by the user. There are many possible means of coupling the tube-like sections. In one possible embodiment, male extension 48 of fan housing 45 may comprise external threads, while the opening 61 in first tube section 60 may comprise internal threading, and may be comparable to the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,696 to Sykes for “Tube Joint for Annular Corrugated Tubing,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In another possible embodiment, a spring loaded detent may be used, similar to the method disclosed in expired U.S. Pat. No. 4,083,586 to Helm for “Tube Coupling,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In a third possible embodiment, resilient arms may be used, as in the method disclosed by expired U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,213 to Guest for “Tube Couplings,” the disclosures of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

Coupling of the fan housing 45 to the first tube section 60 may also serve to retain one or more batteries within the first tube section 60, so as to be in contact with, and electrically coupled to (direct contact and wiring from a far side end of the battery stack) the electric motor 15. Battery power may be provided by any battery that serves to provide the proper amount of power to the motor 15, and in one embodiment, each motor 15 may be powered using four “C” cell batteries, which may be disposable, or more preferably may be rechargeable lithium ion batteries. In another embodiment, the motor 15 may be powered by a marine battery 32 that can be connected, using an electrical cable 33, to the kayak paddle 10 using a quick connect plug 34, which may be received by a corresponding socket in the paddle.

The plug and socket are available for purchase at many retailers, including Minn Kota Accessories, at www.minnkotamotors.com/products/accessories/marine/quick_connect.aspx, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The socket may preferably be located near the center of the hand graspable shaft, so as to reduce any interference of the cable with the paddling motion of the user. It should also be noted, that the batteries stored within the paddle may serve as a primary source of power for motor 15, while the marine battery 32, which may be disposed upon a boat bottom, may serve as a back-up power source for when the rechargeable cells are exhausted during an outing. Since weight is a major consideration in the design of a paddle for long trips, use of the marine battery 32 as the primary power source may be preferable. The battery may be a true marine battery or a deep cycle battery, or a hybrid. Marine batteries tend to be among one of three different types of lead acid batteries, any of which may be suitable for use herein, and may include: a flooded acid battery, a gelled acid battery, and an advanced absorbed glass mat battery.

In a preferred embodiment, the socket may also be able to receive a power cable, which may be plugged in to an AC power source, to permit recharging of the batteries while disposed within the levering device. This embodiment would permit a user to take a longer excursion and stop en route at a convenient dock location to eat a meal, or buy provisions, or simply enjoy the scenery, but to also utilize the time to recharge the batteries. Such an embodiment would also provide a means for the recharging of those batteries when the user had returned home, so that the paddle would always be ready for immediate later use.

The total power needed may depend upon the motor 15 that is selected, which may in turn depend upon the total amount of thrust that the user desires to have available. The motor utilized may be a single speed motor, a two-speed motor, or a variable speed motor. A suitable motor 15 may be obtained from Faulhaber Miniature Drive Systems, and in particular, the series 1724 DC motor may be suitable for use within the levering device shaft, having its specification and envelope available at www.faulhaber.com/uploadpk/EN_(—)1724_SR_DFF.pdf, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Although the motor may be sealed between the fan assembly 40 and corresponding tube sections 60 and 70, the motor 15 may nonetheless be advantageously selected to be a water resistant motor. The other electrical components and wiring may also similarly be sealed and protected in a water-tight environment, which may involve the use of rubber O-ring seals, or other commonly used sealing shapes and materials that are known in the art.

The torque generated by the motor 15 may be delivered mechanically to the fan blades, and be coupled thereto, through use of a transmission shaft 16 (FIG. 10) being connected to the output shaft of the motor. The end of the transmission shaft 16 may comprise a first bevel gear 17, having teeth engaged with corresponding teeth of a second bevel gear 18. The second bevel gear 18 may have connectivity with the hub 41 to thereby drive fan blades 43 to produce propulsive thrust.

As seen in FIG. 7, the double bladed kayak paddle 10 may preferably have two motors with connectivity to two fan assemblies 40, each of which may be independently activated using a dedicated switch 30 (FIG. 5). As a result, the two halves of the double bladed kayak paddle 10 (FIG. 2A) may be separable to permit independent operation by a single user, possibly being used as oars for rowing, or instead the two halves may be used by two different individuals as paddles. To be usable as a paddle—a paddle that is commonly used for canoeing—a handle 38 may be connected to the non-bladed end of each of the halves, which may require one handle with a male extension to be inserted into second tube section 60, and one handle comprising a female opening to receive the male extension 48 of the first tube section 60.

In an alternate embodiment, seen in FIGS. 12-14, a single motor 15A may be utilized to power dual fans, whereby the motor has output shafts protruding from opposing ends of the motor that connect to a first transmission shaft 16A and also to a second transmission shaft 16B, to drive the fans. In another alternate embodiment, the fan assembly 40 and the blade 20 may be made as a unitary member 90 (FIG. 6A), which may provide greater strength for the paddle, but would preclude interchangeability of the blades.

In yet another alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 1D, a propulsion/navigation device 12B may comprise a motor and fan, whereby the motor is aligned axially with the axis of the fan shaft, which may thereby eliminate the need for gears and serve to reduce weight. The motor may be a water-proof brushless motor or a brushed motor. In this arrangement, the rechargeable C-size batteries may be disposed farther down the shaft to be in close proximity to the motor, to reduce the necessary electrical wiring. One example of such an in-line fan and motor arrangement may be the ROV/UAV thrusters that may be purchased from Crust Crawler Robotics (available at http://www.crustcrawler.com/products/urov/index.php?prod=300, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference).

A variation on this 12B embodiment of the powered oar/paddle may leverage the advantages offered by brushless motors, and is seen in the propulsion/navigation device 12BR of FIGS. 21-23B. Brushless motors offer many advantages over brushed motors, including better wear because there are no brushes and commutator to wear out, reduced maintenance because there are no brushes and commutator that need to be cleaned periodically, longer battery life because the friction from the brushes contacting the commutator plates is eliminated, and a higher power to weight ratio because of the elimination of those parts. In addition to the 12BR device using a brushless motor, it also leverages, for this particular application, the advantages of the “Outrunner” type of brushless motors, which have permanent magnets on the outside of the electromagnets, as opposed to the “Inrunner” type motor, which have them on the inside, Inrunner motors are commonly utilized on remote controlled aircraft, and tend to be more efficient because they operate at higher RPMs, with lower torque capability, but with a gearbox being required to permit adjustment in the output speed and torque to the propeller to achieve different flying characteristics, which tends to result in more noisy operation. Where a transmission shaft and gearing are utilized in the propulsion/navigation device (FIG. 10), a suitable inrunner motor may also be used, which is seen illustrated in FIG. 26, and in which only the shaft rotates.

The outrunner motor serves quite effectively in the propulsion/navigation device 12BR because, while it may typically operate at lower RPMs, it produces higher torque, and is quieter while not requiring any associated gearing to furthermore reduce the weight of the device. This outrunner type of motor may be much smaller than the previously mentioned ROV/UAV thrusters. A suitable outrunner brushless motor may have a diameter of 28 mm, length of 30 mm, and may only weigh approximately 70 grams. It may be obtained from Model Motors S.R.O. (see specs at www.modelmotors.cz/index.php?page=61&product=2808&serie=24&line=GOLD, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference). An exemplary outrunner motor 100 is illustrated in FIG. 25, and in which the shaft 100S and the outer portion 100T both rotate relative to the inner portion 100I. Wire stator coils in the fixed inner portion 100I, which may be fixed to a housing using holes 100H, drives the outrunner.

As seen in FIG. 23B, an outrunner motor 100 may be secured to a housing 101 that may be secured to a blade 27. Blade 27 may have a suitable opening 270 located proximate to the tip of the blade periphery, with the motor 100 preferably being centered upon the opening. The opening 270 may be internal to the periphery of the blade, or may, as seen in FIG. 20, be a part of the periphery. The motor housing 101 may comprise a plurality of integral mounting flanges 102 extending radially outward from the motor housing, each of which may comprise a tapered I-beam. The flanges 102 may generally be disposed to be parallel with the fluid flow generated, so as to produce less drag. The ends of each flange 102 may comprise a boss 103, which may include an internally threaded hole. In one embodiment, a mechanical fastener, including, but not limited to, a bolt, may be used to fasten each boss 27B of each flange 27F to the blade 27. Being mechanically coupled to the shaft of the motor 100, may be a propeller assembly 104 (FIG. 23A), which may be comprised of a hub 105, and a series of propeller blades 106 being attached thereto. Activating the switch for the motor 100 may turn on the motor and cause its spinning shaft to rotate the propeller assembly 104, and produce thrust through the displacement of fluid through and about the opening 270 of blade 27.

Locating the motor 100 and propeller assembly 104 at the tip of the blade 27 provides additional mechanical benefits for the propulsion device 12BR. The motor/propeller location serves to increase the leverage (longer lever arm for the motor's thrust) for increased propulsion, and it serves to increase the time the motor is in the water per stroke to thereby increase the powered assistance to the paddler. Another advantage derived from the location and the increased time that the motor spends submerged, is better cooling of the motor, and its associated electronic speed controller.

Advantageously being utilized in conjunction with the outrunner motor, may be a battery manufactured by A123 Systems of Watertown, Massachusetts, which dramatically improves upon other lithium ion batteries, particularly the lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) battery, which tends to be highly combustible. The Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery by A123 Systems has superior thermal and chemical stability and offers a longer life cycle over other lithium ion batteries, and furthermore maintains a higher percentage of its power over a more prolonged shelf life. In addition, the LiFePO4 battery packs may have a separate power receptacle usable for outputting power and for receiving a recharging cable. Power from the batteries 35 may be supplied to the motor 100 using electrical cable 36. A preferred embodiment of the propulsion device may use three cylindrical ANR 26650 batteries made by A123 Systems (see http://www.a123systems.com/products-cells-26650-cylindrical-cell.htm, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference) for a total of 9.9 volts and 2.3 Ah). These batteries may be located inside the shaft for reserve or short-distance powered paddle assistance, while an external stack of cells may also be utilized to supply multiple hours of power.

The 12BR device may also include, as seen in FIG. 22, a blade being fixed to a portion of the shaft being proximate to the end of the shaft, and may have one or more removable blade portions 27R. The removable portions 27R may be insertable into the blade portion that is fixed to the shaft, by using a tongue and groove interface and quick release pins 80 similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 4.

In yet another embodiment of the aforementioned devices, shown in FIG. 1E, a propulsion/navigation device 12C may configured to be similar to the 12B device, but instead of, or in addition to, the blade being removable, the blade may be pivotally attached to be rotatable 90 degrees using pivot means 12Cp, so as to eliminate the need to remove the quick release fasteners. This arrangement would allow the user to be able to more quickly convert the combination device being used as an oar/paddle, into the propulsion/navigation device, as seen in FIG. 19. Such means of 90 degree pivotal attachment means may be found, for example, in expired U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,586,763 to Paulsen, and 5,037,088 to Bernstein, the disclosures of each being incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 16 illustrates use of the modular levering device in the oar 6 configuration, and of it being utilized without any power assistance (i.e., the motor is off, or the battery power has been completely expended). As seen in the figure, the force exerted by the user, F_(user), overcomes the water resistance, F_(water resistance), encountered by the grip of the paddle in the water to propel the paddlesports boat forward. The propulsion of the boat is purely due to the mechanical levering provided from the strength of the user.

FIG. 17 illustrates use of the modular levering device in the oar 6 configuration, and with it being utilized in a first power assisted mode. As can be seen in the Figure, the rower imparts a force, In addition, the motor 15 is supplied with battery power and switched on, with the paddle being oriented to have the fan blades directing the flow forward, which results in the generally aftward reaction force, F_(fan), being imparted to the oar 6. The aftward reaction force, F_(fan), therein serves to counter the water resistance force, F_(water resistance), which makes it easier for the user to paddle, which may be desirable where the paddle blade and graspable shaft may be large for the user, as it will therefore require less strength per stroke to lever; however, this also results in less of a levering force being accomplished to propel the boat forward. The arrangement may permit a smaller user to paddle for a significantly longer period of time.

It should be noted that power assistance according to this approach requires the user to maintain a consistent stroke frequency when the paddles are “wet” and to quickly remove the paddles at the end of the stroke, without dipping the paddle into the water and then holding it statically submerged for any period of time, as this would no longer serve to simply counter water resistance, but would instead act to counter the forward motion. It would be the equivalent of having a trolling motor operating in a direction opposite to the desired course, which would be further exaggerated by the drag resulting from the gripping area 21 of the blade 20 lingering in the water flowing relative to the boat.

FIG. 18 illustrates use of the modular levering device in the oar 6 configuration, and with it being utilized in a second power assisted mode. For other rowers, and even for that same rower described above for the first power assisted mode, but being at a different stage of the trip, conserving energy while paddling may not be the goal, because those users may be seeking to produce the maximum amount of propulsion possible to achieve a greater speed for a short duration. In this mode, the rower imparts a force, F_(row 2), and in addition, the paddle is oriented to have the fan blades directing the flow aftward, which results in the generally forward reaction force, F_(fan), being imparted to the oar 6. This is the equivalent of increasing the gripping capability of the gripping area 21 of the blade 20. The generally forward force, F_(fan), is additive with the water resistance force, F_(water resistance), which permits the paddler, having sufficient strength, to apply a larger rowing force, F_(row 2), to produce greater forward speed. Here, the effects of an oar/paddle lingering statically in the water are not as deleterious as in the first power assisted mode, as the drag resulting from the gripping area 21 of the blade 20 lingering in the water flowing relative to the boat may be partially or completely countered by the propulsion being provided.

The fourth mode of operation is seen in FIG. 19, with the advantageous nature of having the blade 20 being removable through use of a quick-release catch, which enables easy conversion of the levering device into a hand-held multi-directional propulsion device, with it being more convenient to use than the more cumbersome, transom-mounted trolling motor. The arrangement may be directed towards the boat's stern, which propels the boat forward, just like a standard trolling motor. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 19, the device may be held on the port or starboard sides to provide a lateral propulsive force in order to navigate the boat so as to come abeam another boat, or to a dock, or to generally navigate into tight places like a berth, slip, etc. Alternatively, the device may be more broadly utilized by being so located on the side of the boat, and simply be oriented or clocked at the appropriate position so as to cause thrust in any one of the possible compass directions (zero to 360 degrees), for navigation in the opposite direction.

Also, while the invention is herein described as a modular levering device that may quickly be transformed for alternative uses in any one of the four operating modes, the fourth mode—the propulsion/navigation portion of the invention—may also advantageously be separately adapted, manufactured, and marketed solely to serve as an emergency battery-operated propulsion device 12A for small boats. As such, the device may be particularly useful when mechanical problems are encountered with sails or masts, as well as to serve as a back-up when day-sailing on a sunfish, etc., and the winds inconveniently dissipate. The back-up propulsion/navigation device 12A may thus be integrally mounted within such small boats, as an accessory. The specially adapted propulsion/navigation device (which may or may not have an attachable blade) may further include a tethering cable 85 (FIG. 19) extending from the manually graspable shaft or the handle, and being attached to the boat, to prevent a run-away paddle in case the paddle/oar slips from the user's grasp. For users who may prefer to not operate the propulsion/navigation device 12A in a strictly hand-held manner, the device may include an L-shaped or U-shaped bracket 86 which may be used so the device can slidably rest atop the gunwale 2—the top edge of the side of the boat 1. The bracket may be connected to the shaft via a hinge arrangement which would permit pivotal movement of the device to thus allow direction changes, while the propulsion/navigation device 12A remains generally fixed to the gunwale.

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown by the kayak paddle 14 of FIG. 27A. The kayak paddle 14 may comprise a dual shaft arrangement with a hinge therebetween, which permits the shafts to be extended away from each other for use in levering of a kayak, or to be partially folded for conversion of the paddle into a propulsion device through the addition of one or more motor pods, or to be folded even further for convenient storage of the paddle.

The kayak paddle 14 may include a first shaft 141 and a second shaft 151, with the first end of the first shaft being pivotally connected to the first end of the second shaft. The second ends of first shaft 141 and second shaft 151 may have paddle blades 161 and 171, respectively, extending therefrom, each of which may be integrally formed with the shafts or be secured thereto. To be releasably secured to the shaft, each of the blades 161 and 171 may have an axially extending cylindrical protrusion that may be releasably received in a hollow tube portion of the respective first and second shafts, and may be secured therein using internal and external threading, or may be secured therein using the spring loaded detent and tube coupling approach disclosed above, which may also be used to permit rotation of the shafts relative to the respective hub portions using additional holes in the tube sections of each shaft. To be fixedly secured to the shaft, a portion of each blade may be secured using any suitable means known in the art, including, but not limited to, mechanical fasteners, adhesive, etc.

Pivotal attachment of the first shaft 141 to the second shaft 142 may be suitably accomplished in one or more different ways. In a first approach, illustrated within FIGS. 27A and 28, one of the shafts—shaft 151 in FIG. 28—may have a cylindrical axle 153 protruding from a hub portion 152. The axle 153 may be received in a corresponding cylindrical recess 143 in the hub 142 of the shaft 141. The axle 153 may be retained in the corresponding recess by having an annular protrusion 153P on the end of the axle be received within an annular recess at the bottom of the circular recess 143. Instead of using the annular protrusion 153P, axle 153 may instead be constructed to have a sufficient length so as to extend through the entire hub portion 142 of shaft 141, and may have a cylindrical plate member (not shown) be fastened to it to pivotally nest the hub portion 142 of shaft 141 upon the axle 153, so as to be nested between the hub portion 152 of shaft 151 and the cylindrical plate member. Pivotal attachment of the first shaft 141 to the second shaft 151 may alternatively be accomplished using oblique annular flanges and an intermediate shaft section analogous to that structure described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,557,507 to Lang for “Adjustable Joint Structure for Electric Lap Supports.” Use of the oblique flanges and intermediate shaft section would allow the first and second shafts to be parallel to each other in the stowed position (similar to FIG. 5 in the Lang patent), instead of as seen within FIG. 27B herein.

With the first shaft 141 pivotally mounted to the second shaft 151 as disclosed above, the angular relationship between the axial direction of the first shaft, which may be the axis of a cylindrical shaft member, and the axial direction of the second shaft, may be controlled in one of several ways. A tensioning knob may be used (not shown, but see U.S. Design Pat. No. D416,060 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,010 to Hahn for “Exercise Tension Device Assembly,” the disclosures of each being incorporated herein by reference). The tensioning knob may have a shaft slidably disposed in a hole in the hub portion 142 of shaft 141, and be threadably received in the axle 153 of the hub portion 152 of shaft 151. Torquing of the tension knob may thus cause a sufficient friction force between the two hub portions to deter relative motion therebetween. In addition, the faying surface between the hub portion 142 and hub portion 152 may each have a plurality of teeth at each of the hubs' periphery that may interlock, to reduce the amount of torque and friction that would be needed by the tension knob to prevent relative motion between the two hubs. Thus, unscrewing the tension knob would permit the hub portions to be backed away from each other to disengage those teeth, to thereafter allow relative pivotal motion between the hubs using the axle 153, so that the axis 141X of the first shaft 141 may be set to be at a desired angle with respect to the axis 151X of the second shaft 151.

Instead of using the tension knob to inhibit relative pivotal motion between the hubs, a quick release pin 180 may be slidable disposed in a hole in the hub 152. The quick release pin 180 may be of sufficient length so as to extend past the side of the hub 152 of shaft 151 that contacts hub 142 of shaft 141, to be received in a corresponding hole 142H_(i) within hub 142 in a clearance fit, which may be a tight clearance fit. The quick release pin 180 may have a flange 181 that may be biased relative to the hub 152 of shaft 151 by a helical spring 182 to have the pin be normally engaged within the hole 142H_(i) of the hub 142. The quick release pin 180 may protrude out from the other side of the hub 152, and have a ring 183 be pivotally secured thereon. The pivotal mounting of the ring 183 may permit it to extend outwardly from hub 152, as seen in FIG. 28, or to be pivoted to be flush against the hub, as seen in FIG. 27A.

The ring 183 may be engaged by a finger of the paddler to exert a force on the pin to overcome the biasing and withdraw the pin from its position within the hole 142H_(i) in the hub 142 of shaft 141, to allow relative pivotal motion between the hubs using the axle 153, so that the axis 141X of the first shaft 141 may be set to be at a desired angle with respect to the axis 151X of the second shaft 151. With this approach, if only one hole is used in the hub portion 142—hole 142H_(i), the clocking of that hole would define the only relative orientation between axes of the shafts at which the two hub portions could be locked. As seen in FIGS. 27A and 28, a first such hole, being hole 142H_(i), may permit locking of the two shafts with the axis of the first shaft being parallel to the axis of the second shaft, and with the blade at the second end of the first shaft being distal from the blade at the second end of the second shaft, to be configured for paddling. Use of another such hole (not shown), which may be clocked at approximately 90 degrees away from hole 142H_(i) may permit securing of the axis of the first shaft to be perpendicular to the axis of the second shaft, to be configured for propulsion of the kayak or other paddlesports boat, as discussed hereinafter.

FIG. 27C illustrates the hinged kayak paddle of FIG. 27A, but having a motor pod 200 of the current invention having been releasably secured to the bottom of one of the blades of the paddle for use as a propulsion device. The motor pod 200 is shown in detail in FIG. 31. Motor pod 200 may include a motor housing 201 that may receive a motor 202 therein, which may be secured therein using a wall 203 and brackets, to have the shaft 204 protruding outward therefrom. The motor 202 may be protected against water damage by sealing the motor housing 201 to prevent the intrusion of water therein, through the use of gaskets or O-rings 205. A multi-bladed propeller 206 may be fixedly secured to the shaft 204. The propeller 206 may be protected by a shroud 207 that may be integral with the motor housing 201, but has openings therein to allow for the passage of water displaced by the propeller to provide the propulsive force, or the shroud 207 may be secured to the motor housing 201 through the attachment of flanges 207F (FIG. 29).

Also extending away from the motor housing 201 may be the motor pod mounting flanges 208A and 208B, which are also seen in FIGS. 29 and 31. The motor pod mounting flanges 208A and 208B may each have a rectangular slot therein to slidably receive an elongated rectangular protrusion 161Pi and 161Pii on each side of the blade 161. The motor pod mounting flanges 208A and 208B may be releasably secured to the rectangular protrusions using an integral retaining clip 209 that may have a spring loaded pin that is received within a hole in one or both of the rectangular protrusions. The interior side of one or both of the mounting flanges 208A and 208B may include as many electrical contacts as are necessary to accommodate the motor. In FIG. 31, three electrical contacts 210A, 210B, and 210C are shown on the flange(s) which may be electrically coupled to supply control over, and power to, the motor 202. These electrical contacts 210A, 210B, and 210C may become electrically coupled to the source of power used for the invention, through wiring in the paddle's shaft, by engaging corresponding contacts 161A, 161B, and 161C on the paddle blade 161, as the flanges of the motor pod 200 are slidably received upon the rectangular protrusions of the blade (see FIGS. 30A and 30B).

FIG. 27C illustrates one possible configuration of the modular paddle 14, being shown after the removal of blade 161. (Note that the blade 161 could be removed and be replaced by the handle 38 in FIG. 6 for the device to be used as a long canoe paddle, instead of a kayak paddle, or the shaft 151 and hubs 142/152 could also be removed and the handle 36 could be received within the shaft 151 to fix n a shorter length canoe paddle). FIGS. 27C and 27D also illustrate the use of holes at 90 degree increments at the shaft ends to further permit rotation of the second shaft 141 to be clocked at 90 degrees from its 90 degree folded position. This is illustrated in FIG. 27D. So, folding of the shaft 141 in FIG. 27C roughly 90 degrees using the axle arrangement of the hubs 142/152 as previously described and being locked thereat using a hole 142H_(ii), would result in the shaft being oriented to protrude outward relative to the plane of blade 171 as seen in FIG. 28C, and by depressing the pin 151P of shaft 151, the shaft 141 and the hubs may be rotated to appear as seen in FIG. 27D.

Note that the blades used herein may be curved; however, where the blades that are used are not curved, although they will have a discrete thickness forming a three-dimensional part, the flat face of either side of the blade may generally be planar, and any reference herein to a shaft or an axis of a shaft being at a 90 degree angle to the plane of the blade, refers to the shaft being generally orthogonal to either side of the flat paddle blade, or the theoretical mid-plane between those two planar surfaces. Furthermore, any reference to a shaft or axis of a shaft being co-planar with the “plane” of the paddle blade refers to the shaft or its axis being generally parallel to either side of the flat paddle blade and generally falling within the theoretical mid-plane between those two planar surfaces.

The arrangement of FIG. 27D is advantageous for use in the propulsion of other boats, such as a row boat. The arrangement of FIG. 27D may be placed upon the gunwale at the stern of the boat, and may be releasably mounted there using a bracket as described previously, or may be handheld to propel the boat, with the blade 171 also being capable of serving as a rudder.

The examples and descriptions provided merely illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art and having the benefit of the present disclosure will appreciate that further embodiments may be implemented with various changes within the scope of the present invention. Other modifications, substitutions, omissions and changes may be made in the design, size, materials used or proportions, operating conditions, assembly sequence, or arrangement or positioning of elements and members of the preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit of this invention. 

1. A paddle for alternate use in manual levering or thrust-assisted propulsion of a paddlesports boat, said paddle comprising: a shaft; at least one blade, a portion of said at least one blade being fixedly secured to said shaft proximate to an end of said shaft; at least one electric motor pod, said at least one electric motor pod comprising an electric motor configured to rotate a propeller fixed to a shaft of said motor pod; said at least one electric motor pod comprising a means for releasably mounting said motor pod to said at least one blade; a source of electric power; a switch, said switch being moveable between a first position and a second position, and wherein said switch being in said first position is configured to be closed to electrically connect said source of electric power to said electric motor pod, and wherein said switch being in said second position is configured to be opened to electrically disconnect said source of electric power from said electric motor pod.
 2. The paddle according to claim 1, wherein said at least one motor pod is configured to be releasably mounted to said at least one blade to have an axis of said propeller shaft be generally co-planar with said at least one blade.
 3. The paddle according to claim 2, wherein said source of electric power comprises one or more batteries, said one or more batteries comprising one or more of: a disposable battery; a rechargeable battery; and a marine battery.
 4. The paddle according to claim 3, wherein when said one or more batteries comprises said marine battery, said marine battery is coupled to said device using an electrical cable and a quick connect plug.
 5. The paddle according to claim 4, wherein when said one or more batteries comprise a rechargeable battery, said rechargeable battery comprises a lithium ferrous phosphate battery.
 6. The paddle according to claim 5, wherein said at least one electric motor comprises a brushless motor.
 7. The paddle according to claim 6, wherein said at least one electric motor comprises a water submersible brushless outrunner motor,
 8. A hinged paddle for alternate use in manual levering of a kayak or propulsion of a kayak, said hinged paddle comprising: a first shaft; a second shaft; a first end of said second shaft being pivotally attached to a first end of said first shaft; a securing means for releasably inhibiting pivoting by said pivotal attachment of said second shaft to secure the axis of said second shaft to be at a desired angle relative to the axis of said first shaft; a first blade, a portion of said first blade being fixedly secured to said first shaft proximate to a second end of said first shaft; and a second blade, a portion of said second blade being fixedly secured to said second shaft proximate to a second end of said second shaft.
 9. The hinged paddle according to claim 8 wherein said securing means is configured for securing said axis of said first shaft to be parallel to said axis of said second shaft, with said second end of said first shaft being distal from said second end of said second shaft, to be configured for paddling.
 10. The hinged paddle according to claim 9 wherein said securing means is configured for securing said axis of said first shaft to be parallel to said axis of said second shaft, with said second end of said first shaft being proximate to said second end of said second shaft, to be configured for storing of said paddle.
 11. The hinged paddle according to claim 10 further comprising: a first electric motor pod, said first electric motor pod comprising an electric motor configured to rotate a propeller fixed to a rotatable shaft of said motor; said first electric motor pod being configured for releasable mounting to a portion of said first blade; a source of electric power; and a switch, said switch being moveable between a first position and a second position, and wherein said switch being in said first position is configured to be closed to electrically connect said source of electric power to said first electric motor pod, and wherein said switch being in said second position is configured to opened to electrically disconnect said source of electric power from said first electric motor pod.
 12. The hinged paddle according to claim 11, wherein said first motor pod is releasably mounted to said first blade to have an axis of said propeller shaft be generally co-planar with said first blade.
 13. The hinged paddle according to claim 12, further comprising: a second electric motor pod, said second electric motor pod comprising an electric motor configured to rotate a propeller fixed to a rotatable shaft of said motor; said second electric motor pod being configured for releasable mounting to a portion of said second blade with an axis of said propeller shaft of said second motor pod being generally co-planar with said second blade; and wherein said switch being in said first position is configured to electrically connect said source of electric power to said second electric motor pod, and wherein said switch being in said second position is configured to disconnect said source of electric power from said second electric motor pod.
 14. The hinged paddle according to claim 13 wherein said securing means is configured for securing said axis of said first shaft to be approximately perpendicular to said axis of said second shaft, to be configured for propulsion by said propeller of said first electric motor pod and for propulsion by said propeller of said second electric motor pod.
 15. The hinged paddle according to claim 14, wherein said source of electric power comprises one or more batteries, said one or more batteries comprising one or more of: a disposable battery; a rechargeable battery; and a marine battery.
 16. The hinged paddle according to claim 15, wherein when said one or more batteries comprises said marine battery, said marine battery is coupled to said device using an electrical cable and a quick connect plug.
 17. The hinged paddle according to claim 16, wherein when said one or more batteries comprise a rechargeable battery, said rechargeable battery comprises a lithium ferrous phosphate battery.
 18. The hinged paddle according to claim 17, wherein said at least one electric motor comprises a brushless motor.
 19. The hinged paddle according to claim 18, wherein said at least one electric motor comprises a water submersible brushless outrunner motor. 